Every week we highlight those submissions which have been frequented by our readers and jury, in the lead-up to the reveal of Interiors of the Month winners and honourable mentions. Here are the five most-viewed projects between 24 and 31 March 2023.
TEA STORY
Lin Weiping Interior Design Consulting
Set inside a former tea factory at dating back to the 1970s, Tea Story’s original structure in Dalenzhen, China, comprised only an ancient well, a remnant wall and a deteriorated staircase (Material, 7.73; Entertainment Venue, 7.87; Hotel, 7.54). Each of these components was salvaged and incorporated into the building’s new design, completed by Lin Weiping Interior Design Consulting. The 4,000-sq-m space functions as a hotel, tearoom and tea culture exhibition area with restaurants and a bar on the premises. ‘It’s so great to see not only the preservation of the original structure, but its elevation to a museum-like element and the further use of local materials and objects,’ shares Allison Rowe, head of design at Space10.
See more here.
POKEMON CENTER OKINAWA
I In
I In led the renovation of the Pokemon Center’s retail space in Okinawa, Japan (Single-Brand Store, 6.72). The store is designed as an experience, immersing visitors in the Pokémon universe through a blend of digital and physical elements. Designed as a quest, the space articulates the Pokémon world using light, sound and animations. ‘This is digi-physical experience design at its best – with a unique twist. Brilliant design strategy, great idea and well-executed,’ says Richard Kylberg, CEO and head of customer success at Blink the Design Agency.
See more here.
ITCH HOUSE
Atelier Itch
The 49-sq-m Itch House, designed by Atelier Itch, is nestled among high-rise buildings in Seoul (House, 7.40). Breezeblock bricks create privacy but allow natural light into the home. Wood is applied throughout on floors, ceilings and walls. ‘The contrast of the existing home that was there to what has been created is amazing – a small space with a huge impact,’ thinks Christopher Lynn Ortiz, project designer at VLK Architects.
See more here.
DIOR SHOWROOM TEL AVIV
K.O.T Architects
K.O.T Architects designed a 250-sq-m showroom and office for Dior in Tel Aviv, Israel (Single-Brand Store, 5.80). The space is organized around a central area that serves both work and showroom functions with a dining and events area for lectures, makeup tutorials and dinners. A semi-circular library made of birchwood shelves and partitions mediates the space’s functions. ‘I appreciate the foresight to plan the space appropriately for multi-functional uses of the public space,’ notes Ortiz.
See more here.
THE SKY SPACE
Das Lab
The Sky Space is a restaurant and coffee bar developed by Das Lab in Baoji, China (Restaurant, 6.77). The space is inspired by different coffee-making methods, with each distinct area reflecting a different preparation method and imbuing a different feeling. A stone barista bar occupies the centre of the space, surrounded by different seating areas and a reading area. ‘The concept is thoughtfully executed across all scales,’ says Anthony Monica, assistant professor of architecture at Belmont University.
See more here.
